Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called for international engagement in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, saying global oversight could help ensure a credible, free and fair process.
Tambuwal made the call on Monday while speaking on Arise Television, noting that international involvement played a significant role in Nigeria’s 2015 general election, which produced the first defeat of an incumbent president.
“From even our recent history, the intervention of the international community shaped the election of 2015, which the APC benefited from. So, I expect similar intervention from the international community,” he said when asked whether he would support diplomatic pressure on the government to ensure credible polls in 2027.
Tambuwal, a key figure in the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said international engagement should, however, complement domestic efforts rather than replace them.
“It’s not the only way, but it’s one of those ways,” he said.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives clarified that he was not referring to any specific country but to collective action by democratic nations.
“I’m not particular about the United States. I’m talking about democratic countries and the international community making sure, without direct interference, that elections are free, credible and fair,” he said.
On security cooperation, Tambuwal also commented on the reported United States military intervention in Nigeria in December, expressing hope that such actions would not recur.
He said the incident, alongside earlier statements by the U.S. government, appeared to have influenced the posture of the ruling party at the time.
“I think that intervention, first the statements from President Trump and the subsequent missile attack, had some effect on the government of the day. They now had to sit down and say, look at what’s happening. You could see some positive impact on the way the administration is now thinking,” he said.
Asked if he would support further U.S. military actions, Tambuwal said he would not welcome additional attacks but preferred diplomatic and political engagement based on transparency and mutual understanding.
“I would not want to see more attacks,” he said, adding that what was needed was “a clearer and well-defined framework between the Nigerian government and the US government for these engagements”.
Tambuwal also criticised the absence of legislative oversight in such security arrangements, stressing that the National Assembly should be fully informed.
“I’m a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These issues were not tabled before us. If you ask us today, we don’t know how it came about. At this level, we should know certain things,” he said.
He further stated that any agreement involving Nigeria’s military and foreign partners must be explicit and properly outlined, adding that security cooperation should not be limited to the United States.
“Every other country willing to help Nigeria address the security challenges we are facing should be welcomed,” Tambuwal said.
